Media Release | 20 October 2025
Bevan Eatts MLA
Shadow Minister for Aged Care
Impending changes to federal home care funding will savage aged care in regional WA, according to Shadow Minister for Aged Care and Member for Warren–Blackwood, Bevan Eatts.
Mr Eatts warns the reforms are completely unworkable in regional areas — where costs are higher, distances longer, and volunteer networks already stretched to the limit.
“These one-size-fits-all changes don’t reflect the reality of aged care in regional WA,” Mr Eatts said.
“If they go ahead as planned, we’ll see service closures right across the South West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt — and more seniors forced into a hospital system that’s already under strain.”
From 1 November 2025, just days away, the Albanese Labor Government’s new Support at Home program could see seniors charged up to 80% of the cost of essential services like showering, cooking and cleaning. At the same time, local providers face a 50% cut to administration funding.
“These aren’t extras, they’re basics that help older people stay safe and independent at home,” Mr Eatts said.
“Pensioners shouldn’t be punished for ageing. This is heartless policy — and it’s going to cost lives.”
He said community providers like Walpole Community Resource Centre, which runs the Staying in Place program, won’t survive these cuts.
“Halving admin support means fewer home visits, longer waitlists and less help for vulnerable clients,” he said.
“Walpole and other regional centres have done the hard yards for years. Now they’re being hung out to dry.”
Mr Eatts is calling on the State Labor Government to step in and defend WA’s regional aged-care services before it’s too late.
“WA can’t afford to sit on its hands. The Minister needs to fight for our seniors, because once these services are gone, they won’t come back.”
Mr Eatts said he will continue to push for a fair, affordable and regionally balanced aged-care system, one that lets older West Australians live with dignity, choice and respect.
ENDS
